Kim Jang-hoon Given U.S. President's Volunteer Award

Singer Kim Jang-hoon has won the U.S. President's Volunteer Service Award, his agency said Monday.

Kim was given the award along with a letter signed by U.S. President Barack Obama by a local organizer during a concert at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles last Saturday (local time).

The award is presented by the Corporation for National and Community Service, which was established by the U.S. government in 1993 to promote voluntary service in the community.

"Your volunteer service demonstrates the kind of commitment to your community that moves America a step closer to its great promise," Obama said in the letter. "Thank you for your devotion to service and for doing all you can to shape a better tomorrow for our great Nation."

Peter Brian, Kim's American agent, speculated that the White House picked his client because his total charitable donations in Korea amount to W15 billion (US$1=W1,147), because he frequently places public service ads in major U.S. newspapers, and because he donates his profits from concerts in the U.S. to charity there, all of which boosted the Korea-U.S. friendship.

Kim said in a press release, "I hope that my concerts and donations can further solidify the Korea-U.S. friendship."